Daniel 3:12

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

There are {H383} certain {H1400} Jews {H3062} whom {H3487} thou hast set {H4483} over {H5922} the affairs {H5673} of the province {H4083} of Babylon {H895}, Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}; these {H479} men {H1400}, O king {H4430}, have {H7761} not {H3809} regarded {H2942} thee {H5922}: they serve {H6399} not {H3809} thy gods {H426}, nor {H3809} worship {H5457} the golden {H1722} image {H6755} which thou hast set up {H6966}.

There are some Jews whom you have put in charge of the affairs of the province of Bavel, Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go; and these men, your majesty, have paid no attention to you. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the gold statue you set up."

But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 3:12 is a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Following King Nebuchadnezzar's decree that everyone in the Babylonian empire must worship a massive golden image he had erected on the plain of Dura, this verse identifies three specific Jewish officials who defied the command. These men, originally named Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (see Daniel 1:7), had been placed in positions of authority over the province of Babylon. The verse sets the stage for their courageous stand against idolatry, highlighting the severe religious and political tension of the time during the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faithfulness: The core message is the steadfast loyalty of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to God, even when faced with a direct royal command and dire consequences. Their refusal to "serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image" demonstrates a radical commitment to the first two commandments against idolatry.
  • Conflict of Authority: This verse illustrates the classic tension between human authority (King Nebuchadnezzar's decree) and divine authority (God's commands). The three Hebrews firmly prioritized their obedience to God above the king's mandate, echoing the principle later expressed by the apostles: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (see Acts 5:29).
  • Courage in Persecution: The accusers' report to the king sets the stage for the imminent persecution. The men's actions, even before their direct confrontation with Nebuchadnezzar, reveal their profound moral courage in the face of immense pressure and potential death for their religious conviction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "have not regarded thee" carries significant weight. In the original Aramaic, it implies a deliberate and disrespectful disregard for the king's authority and wishes. This was not an oversight but a conscious choice to defy. Their refusal was not merely passive but an active stance of non-compliance, emphasizing their firm spiritual conviction. The use of their Babylonian names (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) in this context reminds us that even while integrated into Babylonian society, they maintained their distinct identity and allegiance to the God of Israel.

Practical Application

Daniel 3:12 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to maintain spiritual integrity in a world that often demands compromise.

  • Prioritizing God: Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we are called to place our allegiance to God above all other allegiances, whether to culture, government, or personal gain.
  • Standing Against Idolatry: While we may not face a literal golden image, modern society presents various forms of idolatry—materialism, power, fame, or self-worship. This verse challenges us to identify and reject anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives.
  • Courageous Conviction: In moments where our faith is challenged or ridiculed, the example of these three men encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, trusting God with the outcome, even if it means facing difficult consequences. Their subsequent miraculous deliverance (detailed in Daniel 3:27) serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to those who honor Him.
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Cross-References

  • Daniel 6:13 (7 votes)

    Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which [is] of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

  • Daniel 2:49 (5 votes)

    Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel [sat] in the gate of the king.

  • Acts 17:7 (4 votes)

    Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.

  • Proverbs 27:4 (3 votes)

    Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

  • Esther 3:8 (2 votes)

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

  • Acts 5:28 (2 votes)

    Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.